An iced tea maker is a must-have for the summer months, whether it’s a hot and humid day and you want to cool off or you have a wrap-around porch and must have a glass of iced tea clinking around while you read in your rocking chair.
The iced tea maker makes it possible to make a refreshing glass of tea in a matter of minutes rather than boiling water, steeping tea, and cooling it in the fridge for hours.
There are many ice tea options available online, so we searched the web to find all the best ones. Want something fast and convenient? Do you need to make a gallon of iced tea for a massive party? We’ve got that covered. Interested in a cold brew maker as well? Below are several options. Looking for a brewer that is both affordable and versatile? Don’t worry, we have the perfect solution.
Electric or non-electric iced tea makers are among your options when shopping for iced tea makers. Some models perform differently than others.
In light of this, we put together a list of the top iced tea makers on the market, which have been thoroughly tested.
| Products | Price |
|---|---|
| Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker | |
| Brentwood KT-2150BL Iced Tea and Coffee Maker | |
| Takeya Iced Tea Maker | |
| Breville BTM800XL Tea Maker | |
| Primula Flavor-It Beverage System |
1. Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
This manual tea steeper is marketed as a cold brew maker but you can also use it to steep tea. Using a teapot or the refrigerator, you can brew loose tea or bags hot. Even though you will probably drink it more quickly, the leakproof lid is said to keep the flavor for up to two weeks.
This sleek cold brewer and iced tea maker combo is perfect if you’re a cold caffeine fan. You can make loose leaf tea without getting any bits in your glass, and you can also add some extra fruit for flavoring.
The design is modern and stylish. This one-liter beaker is on the small side (Ovalware also has a larger option), but its beaker shape and rubber cushioned bottom make it a statement piece.
Fresh herbs and fruit can also be added. An airtight seal is provided by a silicone lid on the pitcher, which is made of high-quality glass that is dishwasher-safe.
2. Brentwood KT-2150BL Iced Tea and Coffee Maker
Having the option to make both coffee and tea may be perfect if you are a coffee drinker as well. Water is poured into the reservoir, tea bags are placed in the basket, ice is added and in a few minutes, iced tea is ready. When the whole crew is over, it can make up to 64 ounces of coffee at once.
A removable filter allows you to add finer-grained items to your brew, such as sugar or matcha (but it’s recommended that you use a disposable filter).
There is a hole at the top of the lidded plastic container for easy brewing, but it does not make the container airtight and leak-proof like some of the other pitchers. We found no explanation for how strong each level of the brew is. Brewing starts with the touch of a button.
A larger group will appreciate the larger capacity and shorter brew time of this coffee maker.
3. Takeya Iced Tea Maker
This Takeya Iced Tea Maker makes fresh iced tea in only 30 seconds without requiring refrigeration like many other pitchers. From steep to serve, it is one of the fastest that we test at home.
The lid is airtight to prevent spills, and the silicone handle ensures the lid won’t slip. Its 12.2-inch height is narrow enough to fit inside a fridge door, but some dishwashers may not be able to accommodate it.
4. Breville BTM800XL Tea Maker
This Breville tea maker is a good choice if money is not an issue. In addition to being able to set the brew strength, time, and temperature of your cup, it can also brew hot and iced beverages. For those who drink a lot of tea, we suggest this option.
It’s not suitable for everyone, but if you’re serious about the strength and quality of your brew, it might be for you.
It features “keep warm” and “agitate” functions, ensuring a well-steeped tea with gentle movement of the basket while infusing. Serving a large quantity of tea and entertaining a large group is an excellent use of the former function. However, you can also simply boil water quickly in the machine.
There is a stainless steel bottom and protective glass bottom on this electric kettle. It holds 51 ounces of liquid and some reviewers have noted that it is fragile. For storage, a second pitcher is needed since the lid is not airtight.
5. Primula Flavor-It Beverage System
This pitcher is ideal for iced tea lovers who want to get creative with their drinks. Primula Flavor It Beverage System features three interchangeable cores that allow you to make iced tea, flavors waters, sangria, and many other flavors.
You can keep your finished drinks cold by filling one of the cores with a freezable gel. In addition, two of the cores (not the freezer gel) can be washed in the dishwasher. It comes with a leak-proof spout and an airtight lid. You can use this pitcher for hot as well as cold brewing.
With a capacity of 2.9 quarts, this pitcher is perfect for entertaining guests. Moreover, it is simple and quick to set up, taking only a few minutes. You can then brew your tea and insert the fruit core, then fill it with lemons for a beautiful and delicious pitcher.
This pitcher has extra features, such as the ability to add herbs or fruit to the tea infuser basket, and the ability to adjust the placement of the tea container according to the amount of water you’re using.
In contrast to other pitchers, this one has a smaller tea infuser basket, but it can also be a bit more delicate (mainly because you can infuse herbs and fruits separately).
What to Look for When Buying Iced Tea Makers
There are a few things you should consider before buying an Iced Tea Maker. Below are some features you should look for.
Electric or Manual
You may find manual iced tea makers to be inexpensive, common, and work well, but you will have to boil water and brew tea yourself. Look for an electric iced tea maker that does all the work for you while also brewing your tea quickly. These makers are also inclined to allow you to choose the strength of the brew. Both may require cleaning after brewing.
Capacity
A small unit will require you to brew iced tea constantly if it’s too small. You might not want to do this during the summer when you want a refreshing drink. On the other hand, if you choose something too large, you may have trouble fitting it into your refrigerator. Discover your sweet spot!
Versatility
Would you like an iced tea maker that can be used in other ways, such as to make cold-brew coffee or infused water? There might not be enough space in your kitchen for single-use appliances, especially those that are seasonal. In the cooler months, some electric iced tea makers can also be used for hot tea.
FAQs
What are the best teas to make iced tea with?
The higher quality of loose-leaf tea makes it preferable to bagged tea. Tea in bags often contains bits of broken tea leaves with no volatile oils to give the tea its flavor. Buy the best-bagged tea you can afford if you must brew with bags or if you are choosing a blend rather than pure tea. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to black versus green or herbal.
Is there a good way to sweeten iced tea?
Most sweetened iced teas, like Southern sweet tea, use sugar rather than simple syrup or other alternatives. Stir the sugar into the tea while it’s hot so that it dissolves. Adding a pinch of baking soda will neutralize the tannins in tea when you sweeten it to remove bitterness.